No purchase necessary, and no plastic required. All you need is a pool and a few fun-loving swimmers!

 

Now that the kids are out of school and summer has officially begun, kids are likely to be spending a great deal of time at the pool. Whether they are in their own backyard, at a friend’s pool, spending the day at a swim club, or hanging out with their friends at summer camp, pool games can be a lot of fun.

 

When you think of pool games, Marco Polo and Sharks & Minnows are the classics. Even Red Light, Green Light and Simon Says can be played in the water, but it doesn’t take long before kids become bored with the same old games. Luckily, those aren’t the only pool games kids can play when there’s no plastic toy or inflatable object in sight. Here are a few games to keep the fun going. Just remember to enforce safety and make sure kids under constant adult supervision when in or around the pool.

 

 

“True or False”

Number of players: 3 or more

Area of the pool: Best played in the shallow end where all players can stand, so racers can run in the water or swim to either side of the pool.

Setup: The “racers” start in the middle of the pool, an equal distance away from either side. Racers will be swimming to the left or right--not forward or backward. The right side of the pool is the “true” side and the left side is the “false” side. The “announcer” faces the racers and stays several feet away.

 

Object of the game: Racers try to swim to the correct side of the pool first, being the first one to tag the edge and win the point.

How to play: The announcer says a statement that all of the racers will be able to determine as true or false. For example, “In 11 years, I will be 21 years old” (a true statement if the announcer is 10) or “Mixing pink and orange makes green” (false). Each racer must quickly decide whether he thinks the answer is true or false, then swim to either edge of the pool to indicate his answer. (Racers do not say “true” or “false” out loud.) If a racer believes the statement is true, he must swim to the right side of the pool and touch the edge; if he believes the statement is false, he must swim to the left side and touch the edge. Whoever tags the correct edge first gets a point.

 

If one player touches the edge of the wrong side, the announcer must reveal that the player is incorrect. The other players then have a chance to swim to the correct side and win the point. The first racer to reach five points becomes the announcer.

 

Note: After saying each statement, the announcer must pay attention to see who reached the correct side first.

What makes it fun: The announcer can be as creative, silly, or tricky as he wants in the wording of his true/false statements, often making the racers laugh and hesitate for a few moments before deciding which direction to swim. However, the statement should be something that all players can figure out and not something that only the announcer or only one of the players would know.

 

 

 

“Toothpaste”

Number of players: 3 or more

Area of the pool: Any depth; players can swim across the width of the pool for shorter swimming distance.

Setup: The “announcer” stays at one side of the pool and faces the “racers” who start at the opposite side of the pool.

 

Object of the game: One player and the announcer to race against one another, each trying to tag the other side of the pool first.

How to play: The announcer thinks of any kind of category—“colors,” for example. He says the category aloud, and then holds his ears and counts to 10. During this time, the racers must each think of a color and tell each other their answers, making sure the announcer doesn’t hear. Each racer must have a different answer. Let’s say Racer 1 chooses “pink” and Racer 2 chooses “green.” When the announcer is done counting, he faces the racers. One racer simply says “pink and green” so that the announcer knows the two answers, but does not know which racer chose which answer. (If there are more than three people playing, there will be additional racers.)

 

The announcer then says one of the answers (“green,” for example), and immediately starts swimming toward the racers’ side. The racer whose answer was green must immediately swim toward the announcer’s side. The first swimmer to reach the other side and shout “Toothpaste!” gets to be the announcer. (If the announcer wins, he remains the announcer.) The non-swimming racer(s) must pay attention to the race so he can declare who won.

Safety: Since two of the players are swimming in opposite directions, all players must be spaced far enough apart before the race begins so they can safely swim across the pool and tag the edge without running into the other swimmer.

What makes it fun: None of the players know which racer is going to swim against the announcer until right before the race begins. Kids can also be creative or silly in their choice of categories and answers.

 

 

 

“Iced Tea, Lemonade”

Number of players: 3 or more

Area of the pool: Any depth; racers can swim across the width of the pool for shorter swimming distance.

Setup: The “announcer” stays at one side of the pool and faces the “racers” who start at the opposite side of the pool.

 

Object of the game: To reach the other side of the pool first, tagging the announcer’s hand and guessing the correct answer.

How to play: The announcer thinks of a movie, then states the initials of the movie title. Each racer begins to think of possible answers, and the announcer puts his arms out straight toward the racers. Any racer can say “more sugar” to get additional clues from the announcer. As soon as one of racers thinks he knows the answer, he swims quickly toward the announcer. Whoever touches the announcer’s hand first and then says the correct name of the movie is the winner. If that racer is wrong, he must swim back to the other side, and the other racers have a chance to answer. The racer who answers correctly becomes the announcer.

What makes it fun: Some movies have the same initials while others are hard to guess; the need for additional clues and multiple attempts at guesses makes players determined to be the one to reach the other side first and finally guess correctly.

 

 

 

“Categories”

Number of players: 2 or more

 
Area of the pool: This is a jumping game and should be played in the deepest part of the pool, or a depth that is safe to jump into.

Setup:  One person starts out as the “jumper” and stands out of the pool, a few steps back from the edge. The “announcer” (non-jumper) stays in the pool, but well out of the way of the jumper.

 

Object of the game: To quickly shout a correct answer right before hitting the water as you jump in.

How to play: The announcer thinks of a category (such as “jungle animals”), then tells the jumper to go. Just as the jumper takes a few steps and is ready to jump, the announcer says the category aloud. The jumper must shout a correct answer (“monkeys,” for example), while jumping and have his answers be heard before going underwater. If the jumper says his answer fully before going underwater, he gets a point (but this game can easily be played without keeping score). After the jumper goes, he swims to the side, and it’s the announcer’s turn to jump. If playing with more than two people, the other players must wait their turn. The person who will be jumping next chooses the category for the person going before him. All players should pay attention and listen to the categories so that no categories are repeated. The goal is to force the jumper to think of an answer at the spur of the moment.

 

Safety: Players should take a few steps before jumping into the pool, but they should not run. The person who jumped in must swim safely to the side before the next person jumps in.

What makes it fun: Trying to simultaneously think of an answer and say it while in mid-air before plunging into the pool is quite entertaining for all players! Thinking of new and interesting categories is also fun and keeps the game challenging.

 

 

 

 

 

If you have younger kids, filling up a baby pool or turning on the sprinkler can be a fun way to spend time outdoors while keeping kids cool. However, these activities can lead to a lot of excess water usage over the summer so follow these tips to stay eco-friendly and water-conscious:

 

1. 1.  If you need to water your lawn regularly, do it when kids want to go out and play in the sprinkler so you’re not wasting water or over-irrigating. Limit the amount of time you run the sprinkler and move it around the yard so all areas are properly irrigated. Also, check any restrictions your town may have on what time of day you’re permitted to water your lawn.

 

2. 2.  You can also invest in water-efficient rotary nozzles for your sprinklers. They break up the water into multi-trajectory, rotating streams that spray water more slowly and uniformly, using 20 percent less water, yet irrigating more effectively. They are also more resistant to wind, and some are made from recycled materials. Certain water providers even offer rebates for purchasing these water-conserving nozzles.

 

3. 3.  Since baby pools don’t have filters and don’t use chemically treated water, they need to be emptied and refilled every few days to stay clean. Make sure your baby pool is small enough that it won’t require much water to be enjoyed. When it’s time to empty it, pour the water onto plants that need it.

 

4. 4.  In addition to saving water, a good way to save energy is by turning down the AC when you and your family are playing outdoors or spending time in the pool. You may be out by the pool for several hours every day or on weekends, which means you can save on your electric bill.

 

As the well-established annual kick-off to summer, Memorial Day weekend is also the start of pool season for many regions across the U.S. Pool owners will be entertaining guests invited over their first dip of the season, while many non-pool owners will happily pack up the kids and head over to their friends’ or neighbors’ houses for a poolside barbecue.

While there is much fun to be had, safety should always be a primary concern when there is a pool nearby. Children, especially young children and non-swimmers, should be supervised at all times. However, pool accidents and near drowning incidents can occur during parties, even when many adults are present because of momentary distractions. In many of these cases, the immersion is silent, and there are no audible screams or splashing.

 

By adding a layer of protection—such as a water-activated alarm device—you can help to prevent accidents and keep your children safe. Aqua Alert is an electronic wristband that emits a loud sound when it gets wet. The wristband is designed to fit toddlers to teens and has a locking attachment making it very difficult for a child to remove. If a child should fall into any body of water, the water triggers an alarm similar to the piercing sound of a smoke detector and can be heard up to 100 feet away. The alarm is deactivated by the drying the wristband off.

 

The major benefit to this system is that you can take it wherever you go. No installation is required, so its use is not limited to any one location. Whether you are at a public community pool, a neighbor’s house, on vacation, or at home, the Aqua Alert wristband can be worn by your child and used as a safety alert.

 

Note: Aqua Alert’s sole function is as an alarm alert that provides an audible warning to help parents protect their children from a drowning or near drowning accident. Aqua Alert is NOT a flotation device; when any child is near water, parental vigilance and supervision is always required.

 

A portion of Aqua Alert's sales are donated to Justin's Club, a non-profit (501C3) corporation established to help prevent childhood drowning and near-drowning incidents, providing treatment for children whose families cannot afford treatment costs, and for research through non-profit fundraising.

 

To learn more about Justin’s Club, visit www.justinsclub.com.

 

For more information about Aqua Alert and how to order, visit www.aquaalerts.com.

Sundance Spas, an internationally recognized leader in the hot tub industry, has introduced its Elite Series, a new line of luxury spas that reduce energy consumption and deliver high-end hydro-massage features.

Designed from the ground up by the Sundance Spas’ engineering and product development team, the new Elite Series consists of the Constance™ and Victoria™ models that include exclusive improvements, such as impressive energy efficiency, a high-performance spa cover upgrade and a distinctive matching step for easy access.

“According to consumer research, energy efficiency is an important consideration for hot tub owners and for those in the market,” said Larry Ovalle, senior manager of product marketing at Sundance Spas. “For this reason, Sundance Spas is introducing the most energy-efficient spa designs in its class with these models. The insulating system builds upon the prestigious Sundance RigidBond™ construction and full foam insulation by adding an additional thermal layer.”

“We took the spa design one step further with premium features and sophisticated aesthetics such as a finished cabinetry look on the exterior of the units. We’re also offering an optional matching step and other amenities that perfect the spa experience,” said Ovalle. A new SunStrong™ hot tub cover further increases efficiency through the use of ultra-high-density foam while also delivering superior performance with an exterior made of highly durable Sunbrella^® brand material.

Unique to both models is an optional VersaStep™, heavy-duty, color-coordinated steps with a handrail for easy spa access that also serve as a towel holder and built-in storage for towels, sunscreens and other accessories. Additionally, the Elite Series offers superior hydrotherapy with patented Fluidix™ jet technology; SMT™ leg jets in the lounge for a targeted calf and hamstring massage; a new cool down seat for easier access, safety and comfort; a low-profile foot dome with up to eight jets; and exterior lighting.

Constance™ and Victoria™ models are available in seven acrylic tub colors; two available cabinet colors; and two SunStrong™ insulated spa cover options.

 

There are often two kinds of pool owners: those who swim in the pool and those who lounge by it. If you are swimming kind, you may already know a thing or two about aquatic fitness. And if you’re the lounging kind, why not get a little more out of your investment by using the pool as a place to workout? No need to drive to the gym when you have “liquid gym” right at home!

 

Because water’s resistance is over 10 times greater than that of the air, swimming laps is a great way to burn calories. But if you don’t want to give up your elliptical machine, treadmill, or other cardio machine of choice, no worries: There are home ellipticals, treadmills, and bikes, designed specifically for in-water use. The benefits of exercising in water are that the movements are more challenging, due to water’s resistance, and the exercises are very low-impact, meaning there’s less risk for injury.

 

“When you exercise in water, you get a total body workout and a fast way to improve general strength, stamina, and cardiovascular fitness,” says Michael Factor of Aqquatix USA, a manufacturer of aquatic fitness equipment, owned by Pool Fitness, Inc. “The viscosity (density) of water allows you to push, pull, run, and cycle much harder.”

 

Factor also explains how you can improve your core muscles by through aquatic fitness: “If you want to strengthen your core, maintain a vertical alignment on either an underwater bike or treadmill, keeping core musculature in a constant state of work,” he says. “Water’s buoyancy offers a safe core training environment.”

 

Aquatic fitness machines and related equipment are available from a number of manufacturers. In addition to selling underwater treadmills and bikes, Aqquatix USA offers other fitness aids, such as resistance gloves and a unique aid for upper body resistance called the Happy Flower (which, if you are wondering, does in fact look like a happy flower!)

 

With exercise aids and machines like these right at your fingertips, you may be more inclined to hop off the lounge chair and give them a try. Once you experience the benefits of aquatic exercise, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy lifestyle.

Photo courtesy of Pool Fitness, Inc./Aqquatix USA

If you’ve ever been snorkeling, you know how exciting it can be to see the beauty and mystery of ocean life. Gazing at coral reefs and colorful sea plants as schools of fish swim past you is an experience like no other. Unfortunately, most of us can only have this experience when vacationing somewhere along the coast (and those one-time-use underwater cameras rarely capture anything close to the true look and feel of the ocean). But…could you have this experience in your own swimming pool at home?

According to Paul-Bertram Petereit, creator of the aptly named Aquatic Dreamworlds, you can!

Introduced in November 2010, Aquatic Dreamworlds is the first system to create simulated underwater environments for swimming pools. By projecting realistic 3-D computer animation on acrylic glass on the pool’s floor and walls, this unique system creates an underwater paradise. Can you imagine looking down and seeing a friendly dolphin waving and interacting with you? How about schools of angelfish that appear to swim right up against the pool walls before continuing on their way? Sea turtles, oceanic plants, rocks, and coral adorn the other walls and corners to complete the realistic effect.

Creator Paul-Bertram Petereit is an interior designer and one of Europe's leading trompe l'oeil mural artists. Petereit got the idea while on a glass-bottom boat trip in Florida. Looking down at the ocean through the clear window of the boat floor, he saw the amazing diversity of sea life and was inspired to recreate such a world in virtual form in a 5-foot (1.5-meter) deep swimming pool, complete with moving sea creatures a realistic mural setting. Together with VARIO POOL Systems, Panasonic, and Evonik, as well as the specialists for camera-guided interactive worlds, Vertigo Systems, Petereit has combined high-quality art with innovative modern technology.

This high-end, custom-designed projection system—combined with painted murals—can be installed on residential pools, although it carries a very hefty price tag. For those who can afford it, it’s definitely a unique feature worth bragging about!

Check out these videos to see this underwater world in action: Aquatic Dreamworlds Spot on EN 
 
Photos courtesy of Aquatic Dreamworlds

 

Hayward® Pool Products has set a new standard in swimming pool energy efficiency with its new EcoStar™ variable-speed pump. Convenient and efficient, this pump is suitable for inground pools and spas as well as waterfalls, fountains, and other water features. It has a permanent magnet, fully enclosed fan-cooled motor, and an industry-leading hydraulic design.

 

The EcoStar variable-speed pump can save pool owners up to 90 percent on energy costs compared to single-speed pumps because EcoStar can match the pump’s flow to the pool’s needs versus running at full power 100 percent of the time. This can save pool owners as much as $1,500 every year, according to Scott Petty, product manager for Hayward pumps.

 

EcoStar is California Title 20 compliant and fully programmable with a self-contained 24-hour clock. With up to eight custom speeds and timer functions, EcoStar can manage water flow for different functions throughout the day, allowing pool and spa owners to maximize their pump’s savings without needing to buy an additional controller or time clock. For enhanced pool management, the EcoStar variable-speed pump can alternatively be controlled by a Hayward automation system, such as Pro Logic®, OnCommand™, or E-Command^® 4, or third-party pool and spa controls without the need for additional accessories. 

An exclusive integrated digital control interface rotates to four different positions or can be removed and mounted to the wall for total user convenience.

 

The EcoStar SVRS model features an integrated Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS) that helps prevent suction entrapment without additional devices, plumbing, or wiring. It meets or exceeds all relevant ASME/ANSI standards as required by the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act and similar state and local requirements.

 

 “This is the next generation of variable speed pumps, providing the ultimate energy savings opportunity, complete user convenience, quieter operation with an added layer of safety,” says Petty. “It is incredibly efficient, user-friendly, and extremely versatile for both new construction as well as the aftermarket. EcoStar is the ideal choice for variable-speed pump applications.”

 

Additional EcoStar variable-speed pump features and benefits include:

▪          Quiet operation

▪          Automatic protection from priming failures, excessive temperatures, voltage spikes and brownouts

▪          2-in. x 2 ½-in. CPVC union connections make installation and servicing fast and easy.

▪          Second base included, aligns EcoStar with Pentair^® WhisperFlo^® plumbing for easy retrofit.

▪          No-rib basket insures easy debris removal. Extra leaf-holding capacity extends time between cleanings. 

▪          Pressure testable to 50 psi maximum

▪          Auto-priming capability with suction lift up to 10 feet above water level

 

About Hayward Pool Products

 

Hayward Pool Products, a division of Hayward Industries Inc., a leading manufacturer of residential swimming pool equipment. Headquartered in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Hayward designs, manufactures and markets the Totally Hayward^® System, a complete line of residential and commercial pool equipment including pumps, filters, heating, cleaners, sanitization, automation, lighting, safety and energy solutions.

 

The company, which has built its brand on innovation, energy-efficiency, safety and reliability, includes such brands as TriStar^®, Super Pump^®, Pro Logic^®, HeatPro^®, SwimClear^™, ColorLogic^®, Aqua Rite^®, Navigator^®, Pool Vac Ultra^®, Phantom^®, TigerShark^®, among others. Hayward products are sold through a network of distributors and 3,000 Totally Hayward Dealer Partners throughout the U.S., Canada, Asia, Australia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Pool Cover Specialists (PCS), an international automatic swimming pool cover manufacturer, launched their Mobile Showroom and Training Center on October 25, 2010. The custom-built van is now traveling the country promoting pool safety and energy conservation. 

 

"Pool owners need to know that there are potential solutions to help reduce drowning deaths and save energy in backyard pools, and I'm spending the next year traveling the country on a mission to inform consumers, dealers and distributors, that pool covers save lives, save energy, and save money," stated Randy Mathis, VP and Mobile STC project coordinator for PCS.

Mr. Mathis went on to say: "Look, the energy-saving information and proof is confirmed by studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy and others, and show that automatic swimming pool covers, create a win/win scenario for the consumer and the environment by saving pool owners as much as 83 percent on their pool heating costs. Automatic pool covers provide pool owners with multiple solutions: They help make a pool environmentally green by eliminating up to 93 percent of the water, chemical and heat loss associated with evaporation. And they create the most effective barrier protection available, by completely isolating the pool water from children, pets, and unauthorized individuals."

This ambitious undertaking has taken PCS months of planning and preparation and was made possible in part thanks to the support of some very large players in the pool industry, including ISPACA (International Swimming Pool and Automatic Cover Association), a pool cover industry advocate and association promoting pool safety and environmental responsibility. PCS has been officially designated by ISPACA as the association's "Traveling Ambassadors for Pool Safety and Energy Conservation.” In that role, PCS will have the opportunity to visit small towns and large cities across the country and talk with pool builders, local governments, consumers, and pool owners—both in person at special events and during live, local radio, and TV station interviews—about the importance of pool safety and the energy conservation or "green" benefits realized through the use of automatic swimming pool covers.

Pleatco, LLC, a leading U.S. manufacturer of Premium Pool & Spa Filter Cartridges, is its third year as a sponsor of the Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy/Gal contest. This competition is an innovative way to honor the hard-working men and women of the pool service industry. With over 150 contestants, this year’s entrants were as impressive as ever.

This year’s Perfect Pool Guy and Gal winners are:

• Rich Tarricone of Aquatic Pool Systems, LLC, Florida
• Sabrina Clonts of Kenco Pools, Texas

"From all of us here at Pleatco, thank you to everyone who entered, nominated, and voted in our third annual 'Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy Contest,' " said Howard Smith, Pleatco's Chief Executive Officer. "We have been truly overwhelmed by the quality and quantity of the hundreds of nominated entrants and the thousands of votes cast. The entries were extremely powerful and heartfelt across the board."

 

“Over the three years that Pleatco has sponsored this contest, we’ve learned that being a professional pool or spa service technician is more than a job…it’s a passion. Many homeowner’s treat their service Guy or Gal like family; it’s a special relationship." said Pleatco Chief Operating Officer, John Antretter. "A pool or spa is an integral part of a home—a way to relax and it’s a place for a family to share time together. Homeowners trust their service professional to keep their ‘backyard-oasis’ safe."

 

Both winners received a trip for two to the International Pool, Spa, and Patio Expo hosted in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort on November 3 – 5, as well as a $5,000 continuing education scholarship from Genesis Three Design Group to attend the G3 Certified Pool Operator Program. 

Rich Tarricone, who has worked in the pool industry for 29 years, was overwhelmed to learn of his new title. “To me, this award acts as a symbol of achievement and recognition as I celebrate my survival not only in life but in my pool career,” said Tarricone. He went on to say, “It will always be a reminder for all my hard work and the gratitude that I owe my many friends, family, peers, and mentors who continue to believe in me. My hope is it will be a reminder to all pool people out there that with hard work and involvement, you can make a career out of being a true pool professional.”

 

Sabrina Clonts, who has been in the industry for thirteen years, was thrilled to win the 2010 Pool Gal title. "I first signed up for the free t-shirt,” revealed Clonts, “but I have been very shocked that it has taken me this far. It’s great that I have my friends, family, and co-workers cheering me on.” Clonts also shared that her favorite part of the industry is her customers, whom she considers her extended family and something like this can change your life!

 

With so many worthy entrants, Pleatco once again expanded the contest and created additional awards. "During our final interviews, we were impressed with the caliber of so many individuals that we felt it was proper to recognize the outstanding achievements of several other entrants,” commented Pleatco’s COO, John Antretter. "In that spirit, we selected contestants for four other Special Awards based on their contribution towards their community and the pool and spa industry."

 

Those winners include: 

 

• 2010 Industry Achievement Awards to Dan Stebner of Sun Peak’s Aquatics (SPA) in British Columbia, Canada; Nick Falco of Aquaguard Pools Inc in Illinois; and Brian Baraga of Pool Buoy Pool Service in Ohio.
• 2010 Big Heart Award to Courtney Wilson of Perry’s Pool Shop in Indiana.
• 2010 Future Leadership Awards to Jonathan Santoscoy of True Blue Pool Service in Texas; Adam Litke of All Seasons’ Pools & Spas in California.
• 2010 Most Creative Entry Award to Steve Miller of Crystal Rivers Spas in Colorado.

Seven Runner-Up Finalists were also named:

• Kevin James of Aquidneck Pools & Spas, Rhode Island
• Paul O’Neil of The Pool Sitter, Ontario, Canada
• Len Garavalia of Monarch Poolcare, Virginia
• Steve Reid of Today’s Swim and Patio, Arizona
• Kelly Kalfsbeek of Bright Sun Pool/Spa Service, California
• Amanda Miller of Sunshine Pools, Texas
• Kent Simpson of Cornerstone Pools, California

About Pleatco

Pleatco, based in Glen Cove, N.Y., has served the pool & spa community for the past 35 years as a leading manufacturer of unique free flow core filter cartridge technology.

World swimming champion and sports icon Michael Phelps and the engineering design team of Master Spas® have teamed up to create and introduce a new signature line of swim spas. The collaborative effort has resulted in a full line of new swim spas under the brand name of Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas by Master Spas. This new line of signature swim spas was debuted at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo held at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, November 3 through 5, 2010.

 

The Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas by Master Spas was designed and developed with the input of Mr. Phelps, Coach Bob Bowman, and a team of Master Spas’ experienced engineers. The signature line of swim spas provides a solution for all fitness levels, health regimens, and spaces not typically conducive for accessible, year-round aquatic exercise and hydrothermal therapy. The line features six new and different, premium swim spas for residential settings and one premium, commercial-grade swim spa ideal for fitness centers, universities, and physical therapy centers.

 

Mr. Phelps and Mr. Bowman, in conjunction with Master Spas, are actively promoting the sport of swimming and the health benefits associated with aquatic exercise and spa therapy.

 

“One of the biggest goals I have in my career is to grow the sport of swimming in as many ways as possible, and the ability to partner with Master Spas’ to create a signature line of swim spas is another unique way to help the sport,” stated Phelps. “Our goal with this line of swim spas is to create more and better opportunities for everyone interested in swimming, from exercise enthusiasts through the next generation of competitive swimmers.”

 

The distinguishing difference of the Phelps-designed swim spas is the unique, patented Wave Propulsion™ Technology that provides an exceptionally wide, deep, and smooth current for a superior swimming experience. The propeller drive system generates a turbulent-free current.

 

“Working with Michael Phelps and Bob Bowman to create this new line of signature swim spas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us,” states Bob Lauter, CEO of Master Spas. “It is a tremendous honor to have this level of input that will draw global attention to the pool and spa industry and help promote the benefits of swimming and aquatic exercise.”

 

For elite swimmers, the MP Signature Model features the largest swim area and more advanced Wave Propulsion™ Technology with an incredible 40 percent more power than standard Wave Propulsion™ Technology. All models include the exclusive, proprietary Swim Number System that allows swimmers of all levels to control the speed of the current—at the touch of a button, the speed is fully adjustable from 0 to 60.

 

“We designed the Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa by Master Spas as an efficient and effective training tool for competitive swimming,” explains Bob Bowman, Hall of Fame swim coach and personal coach for Mr. Phelps, “but our goal was to create a swim spa that can apply to individual fitness levels as well. Aquatic exercise is extremely beneficial for building overall strength and endurance.”

 

Each model of the MP Signature Model includes an Aquatic Exercise System, which includes a rowing kit and resistance bands and comes standard on all models. A workout DVD along with an exercise booklet designed specifically for Master Spas is available to assist beginning, intermediate, and advanced swimmers to fully maximize the swim spa’s capabilities. Optional underwater cameras can be installed to record a swimmer’s stroke for easy reviewing in order to help his or her performance.

 

As with all Master Spas product lines, a portion of the swim spa is designed with hydrothermal therapy jets and seating that target major muscle groups. A special standing therapy cove works on hard-to-reach spots like hips, lower back, and legs. The Xtreme Therapy Seat (XTS) is ergonomically designed for comfort and a twin power pump system for maximum muscle massage.

 

Installation is quick (typically less than a day), without digging for footers. A concrete pad, patio, or prepared deck is sufficient, and partial in-ground installation is also available. Climate factors are eliminated with the Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas by Master Spas, as each unit offers maximum energy efficiency, and an optional automatic cover lift will remove the insulated hard cover at the touch of a button.

 

About Master Spas®

 

Master Spas is based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, 90 miles north of Indianapolis. Operating on a
27-acre campus with more than 250,000 square feet of state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution, Master Spas is one of the largest manufacturers of portable spas, luxury hot tubs, and premium swim spas in North America. The company’s management team boasts more than 100 years of spa manufacturing success and one of the strongest track records in the industry. 

 

About Michael Phelps

 

Michael Phelps is widely recognized as the most accomplished swimmer of all time. Phelps—who holds more gold medals, world championships, and world records than any other swimmer—remains steadfast in his efforts to grow the sport of swimming and encourage active and healthy lifestyles, especially for children. He established the Michael Phelps Foundation in 2008 and launched the Michael Phelps Swim School in 2009.

 

About Bob Bowman

 

Bob Bowman is the CEO and Head Coach of North Baltimore Aquatic Club in Baltimore, MD where he also serves as the personal coach to Michael Phelps. Over the course of his 24-year-career, Bowman has established himself as one of the preeminent coaches in the sport of swimming with wealth of knowledge and experience on the international, collegiate and club levels. Recently inducted into the American Swimming Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Bowman has received USA Swimming Foundation’s Golden Goggle for Coach of the Year honors for three consecutive years (2006 – 08). 

 

Caption: World swimming champion Michael Phelps in his new signature line of swim spas by Master Spas.

 

Photos courtesy of Master Spas